SPORT
Adding a third element Regardless of age, not everyone finds it easy or comfortable to jog, run, walk or ride a bike on land. We might be prone to trips, have arthritic joints, or feet and limbs that are sensitive to bumps and uneven ground. The good news is that as we open our pools, these sports can take on a whole new element; in water.
WATER IS GOOD FOR YOU Not only is it fun but enjoying sports in water can be a gentler way to improve strength, flexibility and stamina, regardless of your fitness level. Those with ailments such as osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, joint injuries or balance issues can also seriously benefit from the advantages that water sport can bring. It’s great during pregnancy too! Water offers around 12 times more resistance than air and four times more water resistance than swimming, giving muscles a greater workout and burning
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more calories more quickly than on land. At the same time, because of its buoyancy, water offers extra support to muscles and joints, making it easier to maintain balance and enabling you to walk, cycle or run with less impact on body parts.
WATER SPORT FOR ALL Adding wrist or ankle weights can increase resistance against the water, as can foam dumbbells or hand paddles and webbed gloves. If you are not a strong swimmer you may want to use a floatation device or buoyancy belt.
Splashing out a bit, you could invest in a “swimming against the tide” system or counter current jets, a stationary bicycle or even an underwater treadmill.
TAKE A WALK With or without one of these aids, walking in water is great for the whole body, and can improve balance and prevent falls. To walk effectively we were advised to stand tall and, although the buoyancy may make it feel more natural to walk on tiptoes, place the heel down first, then the toes, swinging the arms naturally as each step is taken.
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